Faith Kipyegon smashed the mile world record by almost five seconds at the Monaco Diamond League on Friday, July 21.
The world 1,500 and double Olympic champion finished the race in 4:7.64 to smash Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan’s 2019 record of 4:12.33.
“I have done good training so far and I just came for it. The time yes, it was really good because the race was well planned.
It just went smoothly and to accomplish the world record that is amazing,” Kipyegon stated.
While speaking after the milestone, Kipyegon stated that she is now ready to defend her title in 1,500m in Hungary.
Further, the Kenyan queen said her main goal this season was to break the 1,500m world record and she was proud to do it again in one mile.
“I do not know how I am doing this because it just keeps going really in a good way,” she added.
Well-done Faith Kipyegon
President William Ruto congratulated Faith Kipyegon for being one of the best athletes in our lifetime.
“Another World record has fallen. Faith Kipyegon’s peerless talent, supreme tenacity and tremendous athleticism has lit up the world again this time in the 1-Mile Monaco Diamond League. Kenya celebrates Faith for being among the best athletes in our lifetime,” Ruto’s statement read.
Also Read: Faith Kipyegon Reclaims World 1500m Title
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also congratulated the athlete for her achievement and for making Kenya proud.
“Faith Kipyegon it is! Congratulations on clocking a record 4:07.64 breaking the World One Mile Record at the Monaco Diamond League. We are proud of you!”
Other World Records
The mile race is Kipyegon’s third world record in 52 days.
On June 2, the athlete broke the 1,500m world record in Florence clocking 3:49:11.
Exactly a week later, Kipyegon set a 5,000m new record, 14:05:20 in Paris Diamond League.
Also Read: Faith Kipyegon Awarded Sh5M and a House for Breaking Two World Records
Other Kenyan Athletes in Monaco
African fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala clocked 9:92 seconds to win the men’s 100m race.
“Tonight, I just confirmed what I am capable of. I wanted a faster time, but win is a win,” he said after the race.
The Commonwealth 100m champion made history as the first Kenyan to win gold in the Diamond League.
“An amazing display of power, speed and character by @Ferdiomanyala to grab his first Diamond League win. It is also Kenya’s first ever victory in the 100m in this competition. Congratulations,” President Ruto congratulated Omanyala.
Kenyan athlete Wycliffe Kimanyal won the 800m men’s race against his compatriot Emmanuel Wanyonyi.